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English Grammar Lessons

Purpose and Goals

Choose your level and start learning. Read the information below to understand this section of Randall’s website.

Beginning | Intermediate | Advanced

See Frequently-Asked-Questions


english grammar lessons

Why Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

When most people think about improving their English listening skills, they often focus on vocabulary and pronunciation, but grammar plays a powerful, and often overlooked, role in truly understanding what people are saying.

Understanding grammar helps you recognize patterns in spoken English, follow fast speech, and interpret meaning more accurately. For example, knowing the difference between past, present, and future verb tenses can help you understand when something happened. Recognizing question forms can help you catch what someone is asking, even when they speak quickly or use informal language.

This part of my website is designed to build your grammar skills in context—not just for tests, but for real communication. Although you will already find many grammar lessons readily available online, these lessons focus in content related to listening and speaking. Each short grammar lesson includes:

  • A brief explanation of the grammar point
  • A short section on why this grammar point is important for both listening and speaking
  • A grammar quiz

These interactive quizzes  help you practice the grammar in real-life situations, like conversations, interviews, and everyday storytelling, so you can listen more clearly and speak with more confidence.

By improving your grammar, you will:

  • Better understand what native speakers are saying
  • Respond more naturally in conversations
  • Avoid common misunderstandings when listening or speaking

Whether you are preparing for school, work, or daily life in English, this section will help you build grammar skills that support real communication.

The next part of this page gives suggestions on how to use a variety of expressions to improve your listening and speaking as you polish your grammar skills.


Frequently-Asked-Questions

How did you choose the grammar points for each level?

The goal is to match structures with what learners need to understand and say at each level in practical communication.  I assigned the grammar points to each level based on the following:

(1) recognized CEFR descriptors (Common European Framework of Reference)

(2) established ESL curriculum frameworks found in textbooks

(3) the frequency with which grammatical structures appear in real-life speech

(4) practical experience with language learners over the years.

Are these grammar points meant for academic, test-based, or real-life English?

The focus is on real-life English, especially listening and speaking in everyday situations. While many points align with what’s taught in academic or test-prep settings (like IELTS or TOEFL), the emphasis here is on understanding natural speech and communicating clearly in real contexts.

Can learners at lower levels explore higher-level grammar if they’re curious?

Absolutely! The levels are guidelines, not limits. Curious learners are encouraged to explore more advanced topics—especially if they encounter them in listening materials or daily life. The explanations are designed to be approachable at any level.

Will these grammar lessons help improve pronunciation or fluency too?

Yes. When grammar is taught through listening and speaking, learners naturally develop better rhythm, stress, and fluency. For example, practicing conditionals in context helps with linking words like “would’ve” or “could’ve” in fast speech.

Can teachers adapt the sequence of topics based on student needs?

Definitely. The sequence is flexible. Teachers are encouraged to adjust the order based on students’ goals, needs, and backgrounds—whether that means teaching phrasal verbs earlier or reviewing basic tenses at higher levels.

Why don’t the grammar points follow the order of a traditional textbook?

Unlike a textbook, this project organizes grammar around real communication goals, CEFR levels, and spoken language needs. The order is meant to reflect how grammar is used—not just how it’s formally taught.

Do these lessons for for both teachers and independent learners?

Yes. They are designed to be clear enough for independent learners, but they also work well as supporting materials for teachers in class. You can use them for self-study, review, or in a flipped-classroom model where students prepare grammar outside of class and apply it through speaking in class.

How often will new grammar lessons be added or updated?

New lessons and quizzes may be added based on teacher feedback and learner needs.


Let’s Practice

Useful Expressions for Listening and Speaking

When we speak with others, it not just about giving long answers or understanding grammar rules. Great conversations happen when we show we are listening and when we ask for help if we do not understand something.

Two kinds of expressions are very useful in real-life conversations, and you can practice these expressions with the activities in these lessons.

✅ Expressions to Show Interest

When someone is speaking, it is important to show you are listening. If you just stay silent, the other person may feel uncomfortable or think you are not paying attention.

These expressions help you sound friendly, engaged, and curious. You can use them when someone tells you a story, gives you news, or shares a personal experience. Using these phrases makes conversations more natural, fun, and respectful.

💬 Reactions to News or Stories

  • “Oh, really?”
  • “No way!”
  • “Seriously?”
  • “That’s interesting.”
  • “I didn’t know that.”
  • “I had no idea.”
  • “That’s surprising.”
  • “You’re kidding!”

😃 Expressing Positive Emotion or Encouragement

  • “That sounds great!”
  • “Good for you!”
  • “Wow, that’s amazing!”
  • “How exciting!”
  • “That must be fun.”
  • “I’m happy for you.”

🧠 Showing Thoughtfulness or Empathy

  • “I see what you mean.”
  • “That makes sense.”
  • “I can imagine.”
  • “That must be difficult.”
  • “I totally get it.”
  • “Been there!”

❓ Encouraging the Speaker to Continue

  • “And then what?”
  • “What happened next?”
  • “Tell me more.”
  • “I’m listening.”
  • “Keep going.”
  • “Go on.”

✅ Expressions to Seek Clarification or Understanding

Sometimes, you do not hear something clearly, or you are not sure what the other person means. That is normal! Instead of saying nothing or pretending to understand, it is better to ask for clarification politely. These expressions help you ask someone to repeat, explain, or confirm something. They help you stay in the conversation and avoid confusion.

🔁 Asking Someone to Repeat

  • “Sorry, what was that?”
  • “I didn’t catch that.”
  • “Come again?”
  • “Could you say that again, please?”
  • “One more time, please?”
  • “Would you mind repeating that?”

🤔 Asking for Clarification

  • “What do you mean?”
  • “Can you explain that a little more?”
  • “What does that mean?”
  • “I’m not sure I follow.”
  • “Can you say it another way?”
  • “Could you clarify that, please?”

✅ Confirming Understanding

  • “So you mean…?”
  • “Let me see if I understand.”
  • “Do you mean that ___?”
  • “So you’re saying ___?”
  • “Just to be clear, you said ___?”
  • “Are you saying ___?”

Disclosure: Randall developed this content through collaboration with AI, combining technological support with professional instructional design.
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